RYAN Jackson insists the FA Cup can act as a positive distraction for Colchester United this weekend.

The U’s take a break from their impressive league form with a trip to play League One high-fliers Accrington Stanley on Saturday, in the first-round of the world-famous competition.

John McGreal’s side are in confident mood and currently riding high in third place in League Two, following three wins in their last four matches.

However, right-back Jackson says they are relishing the opportunity to cause an upset, at the Crown Ground.

Jackson told the Daily Gazette: “We’re in good league form at the moment but we also want to do well in the FA Cup.

“It’s probably come at the right time.

“We’re underdogs and that might suit us.

“It’ll be a good test for us and we’ll go there with the right mindset and hopefully try and get through to the next round.

“Being in the top three is showing that all of our hard work is paying off.

“But there’s still a long way to go and we’ll just keep going.

“We’ll make sure we win our home wins and then pick up points away.”

Jackson has praised the contribution of Frank Nouble in the opening three months of the season.

The former West Ham United youngster has been one of Colchester’s most consistent performers since joining them from League Two rivals Newport County, last summer.

Nouble has shown his versatility by playing in different attacking positions and provided the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ winning goal in the U’s 1-0 victory over Swindon Town, last weekend.

“He’s been doing really well since he’s joined,” said Jackson, who along with Nouble and Harry Pell is Colchester’s leading league appearance maker so far this season after appearing in all 17 of their games, so far.

“The beauty of Frank is that he can adapt to playing in different positions, whether it’s as the lone centre-forward or playing out wide like a wing-man.

“He did really well with our goal (against Swindon).

“It was well-worked and it’s the kind of thing that we work on in training.

“It’s a pleasure when it comes off and Noubs is as strong as an ox, with his strength.”

Jackson has played his part in Colchester’s fine defensive form over recent weeks, which has seen them concede just once in open play in their last six matches.

The 28-year-old added: “Our defensive record is credit to our defending as a team.

“We’ve been working hard on pressing and that’s all credit to all of the boys, not just the back four.”